7 beautiful rides across America for fall 2022

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(CNN) — The United States is a car-obsessed nation, and road trips feel like a natural right to many.

With gas prices falling from their commanding summer highs and others wary of taking advantage of the air travel system, the prospects for a fall road trip look pretty good this year.

In no particular order, here are seven amazing scenic drives scattered around the continental United States to enjoy in fall colors and more. Some are familiar; Others are a little under the radar.

Blue Ridge Parkway: Virginia and North Carolina

This spectacular and winding road passes through the Blue Ridge Mountains. It begins in Virginia and continues southwest to North Carolina, and has a total length of 469 miles (755 kilometers).

• The rooms are free to use and open 24 hours a day unless they are closed due to weather or landslides.

• It’s free of all commercials — no billboards or commercials. Cars, the road and nature.

• Unless you want a big trip, you don’t have to pack everything. Just carve out a certain part and drive that.

The Blue Ridge Parkway overlook offers picture-perfect fall views near Asheville, North Carolina.

Craig Zerebe / Adobe Stock

End to End Scenic Byway: Colorado

For eye-poppin’ and ear-poppin’ looks, it’s hard to go wrong in the heights of the Centennial State. It has 26 scenic highways, half of which have national designations.

You can still only take one at a time. Why not start the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway? The 55-mile (89-kilometer) route features unforgettable views of the Continental Divide, and is all less than an hour from Denver or Boulder city centers.

And you can spend more time outside of your vehicle at natural sites along the way.

• Rocky Mountain National Park: Take in meadows, lakes and more on 300 miles of hiking trails — and maybe spot a moose or bear in the distance.

Covered Bridges Scenic Byway: Iowa

America’s heartland is sometimes overlooked, but it also has its fair share of beautiful cars.

In the year Made famous by the 1992 novel “The Bridges of Madison County” and the subsequent 1995 film, the 82-mile (132-kilometer) stretch focuses not only on covered bridges, but also scenic natural areas and historical and cultural sites, O’Reilly said.

Want to get out of the car and stretch your legs? In Winterset, there’s a birthplace and museum dedicated to Marion Robert Morrison — that’s actor John Wayne to you and me, Pilgrim.

Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway: Oregon

In central Oregon, the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway “offers a one-of-a-kind view of red grapefruit juxtaposed with black lava,” said Alison Kinney, global communications manager at Travel Oregon.

Its 66 miles (106 kilometers) pass several lakes in the central Cascade Mountains.

“This trail is known not only for the scenery it offers, but also for the many adventures along the way,” Kenny said.

“Those who want to get up close and personal with the trees as their leaves turn from green to yellow and orange should get out of the car and take in the views of Sparks Lake or hiking opportunities in the Three Sisters Wilderness.”

She said colors are clearest around mid-October, but could peak earlier this year because of the hot, dry summer.

Natchez Trail Parkway: Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee

Tennessee Highway 96 as seen from the Double Arch Bridge on the Natchez Trace Parkway near the town of Franklin.

marekuliasz/iStockphoto/Getty Images

Spanning 444 miles (715 kilometers) and spanning three states, the Natchez Trace Parkway follows the “Old Natchez Trace,” a historic travel corridor used by Native Americans and later European settlers.

Take in the entire park and enjoy two very different cities at the start and end point. Little Natchez, Mississippi, is known for its historic homes overlooking the Mississippi River. Big-city Nashville has exploded from a country music center to an all-around entertainment destination.

In between: an absolutely beautiful drive that transitions from deep south coastal plains to more hilly terrain. Peak color comes in Tennessee (usually late October to early November). But parts of the southern end of the trail in Mississippi could reach peak levels by late November.

Do you like to ride a bike? The parkway is popular with cyclists in the fall. Click here for advice before you pedal.

Hocking Hills Sneak Byway: Ohio

Hey, oh, here’s the 25-mile (40-kilometer) scenic drive southeast of Columbus to Ohio.

The Hocking Hills Scenic Byway is another AAA-certified route for those looking to see the fall foliage and enjoy a relaxing afternoon drive.

There are seven main hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult. The Whispering Cave Trail features a “swinging” hemlock bridge and a 105-foot seasonal waterfall, the second largest cave in the region.

About 30 miles (48 km) away is the small town of Athens, which hosts a farmers market and art market every Saturday and many special events this fall.

Rangeley Lakes View Byway: Maine

The Rangeley Lake Scenic Byway is an excellent fall drive with many beautiful spots in Maine.

Dilip Patel / Adobe Stock

AAA provides excellent support for this roughly 50-mile (80-kilometer) route in inland Maine — near the New Hampshire and Canadian borders.

The elevation on Route 17 is “the showpiece of the road,” says Explore Maine, with lakes and mountains “with spectacular views.” The site also features a nice fall foliage view along the trail. In general, peak color in this part of Maine occurs between October 6th and 13th.

AAA also likes the nearby Saddleback Ski Resort. Before the ski season sets in, you can enjoy activities like mountain biking.

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